Refrigerator Vibration Isolating Compressor Mount

ABSTRACT

A mounting arrangement secures a refrigerator compressor to a support base member through a plurality of elastomeric mounts secured on pin elements with retainers. The mounts include head portions which extend through openings provided in an elongated plate fixed to the compressor. The mounts are specifically formed with a rounded bottom to pre-load the mounting arrangement and prevent vibration transmission through cores of the mounts. In addition, each mount includes a plurality of vertically spaced rings which provide shock protection against a large impact force by deflecting and potentially contacting each other, while normal vertical isolation occurs by deflection of an uppermost one of the rings. The mounts are formed with various undercuts which allow the mounts to be optimized for the mass and operational frequency of the compressor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the art of refrigerators and, moreparticularly, to an arrangement for mounting a compressor in arefrigerator.

Most refrigerators, particularly those sold for common household use,include a mechanical compartment or chamber for mounting variousrefrigeration components, such as a compressor, a condenser and/or anevaporator. Depending on the particular model type, the mechanicalcompartment can be in a lower or upper region of the refrigerator. Ineither case, the mechanical compartment includes a support base ontowhich the refrigeration component(s) is mounted. When activated, many ofthe refrigeration components, including fans associated with thecompressor and evaporator, vibrate. Unless properly attenuated, thevibration will be amplified by the refrigerator and result in noise atpotentially unacceptable levels. Given that consumers demand quietappliances, any noise generated must be reduced to absolute minimumlevels. To alleviate this problem, the refrigeration components aretypically mounted to the support base through a vibration isolationelement or damper. For instance, it is known to use an elastomericgrommet or other resilient material as both a damper and a support forthe refrigeration component.

The use of a vibration isolating arrangement is particularly importantin connection with the mounting of the refrigerator compressor. Withthis in mind, manufacturers have been known to employ a wide array ofmounting arrangements to secure a compressor in a refrigerator.Typically, a stud or other fastener receiving element is secured to thesupport base. In arrangements that make use of a stud, a grommet orother dampening device is positioned about the stud, and the compressoris secured to a plate through the stud, while being supported on thegrommet. At this point, a nut or other threaded fastener is secured tothe stud to hold the compressor in place. In other arrangements, a boltis passed through the grommet and fastened to a threaded openingprovided in the support base.

Despite the various mounting arrangements described in the prior art,there still exists a need for an enhanced mounting arrangement forrefrigeration components. More specifically, there exists a need for amounting arrangement that can secure a compressor in a refrigeratorwhich can more effectively attenuate any vibrations developed duringoperation. In particular, there is a need for a refrigerator compressormounting arrangement which is designed to, among other things, have atuned mechanical stiffness and provide enhanced mechanical shockprotection, preferably while permitting both lateral and fore-to-aftshifting of the compressor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an arrangement for mounting acompressor in a mechanical chamber provided in a cabinet of arefrigerator. The mounting arrangement employs elastomeric mounts, eachof which includes a rounded bottom to pre-load the mounting arrangementand prevent vibration transmission through a core of the mount. Inaddition, each mount includes a plurality of vertically spaced ringswhich provide shock protection against any large impact force bydeflecting and potentially contacting each other. Normal verticalisolation occurs by deflection of an upper one of the rings. The mountsare formed with various undercuts which allow the mounts to be optimallytuned for the mass and operational frequency of the compressor.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the overall mountingarrangement includes a plurality of pin elements extending from asupport base member, while the compressor is fixed to an elongated platehaving upper and lower surfaces and a plurality of spaced openings. Eachof the plurality of elastomeric mounts includes an upper head, which isspaced from an adjacent one of the vertically spaced rings by a mountinggap, extending through a respective one of the plurality of openingssuch that the elongated plate is positioned within the mounting gaps ofthe various mounts. The mounts are positioned about the plurality of pinelements. Each upper head includes an upper surface from which project aplurality of spaced raised retention members that are engaged by arespective retainer, preferably in the form of a clip, in a manner whichassures that the compressor is not constrained for movement in bothlateral and fore-to-aft directions.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the present inventionwill become more readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with thedrawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts inthe several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial, cross-sectional view of a refrigerator illustratinga compressor mounted in a mechanical chamber of the refrigerator using acompressor mounting arrangement constructed in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a refrigeration system with the compressormounted to a support base member using the mounting arrangement of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the mounted compressor of FIG.2;

FIG. 4 is an upper perspective view of a vibration isolating mountemployed in the mounting arrangement of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the vibration isolating mount of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of the vibration isolating mount ofFIGS. 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of one mount from FIG. 3; and

FIG. 8 is a representative cross-sectional view of the mount of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With initial reference to FIG. 1, a refrigerator is generally indicatedat 2 and includes a cabinet defined, in part, by a side panel 4 and atop panel (not shown) which are generally formed from bending a singlesheet of metal to which a rear panel 6 and a bottom panel or supportbase member 7 are attached. Side panel 4 terminates at a forward end ina front in-turned flange 8, which is shown to have mounted thereto amounting bracket 11 for pivotally supporting a refrigerator door (notshown). As shown, refrigerator 2 includes a pair of spaced front legmembers, one of which is indicated at 13, arranged at laterally spacedfront portions (not separately labeled) of the cabinet. In addition,refrigerator 2 includes laterally spaced rear wheels, one of which isindicated at 14. Leg members 13 are preferably vertically adjustable toalso act as levelers for cabinet 2, while wheels 14 enhance themaneuverability of refrigerator 2. Such type of leg leveler and wheelsupport arrangements are widely known in the art of appliances, do notform part of the present invention and therefore will not be discussedfurther herein.

Refrigerator 2 can take various forms, including top mount, bottommount, side-by-side and French-style refrigerators. By way of example,as shown in these drawings, the cabinet of refrigerator 2 has mountedtherein a bottom panel unit 16 that includes a first horizontal portion18, an upwardly and fore-to-aft sloping portion 20, and a secondhorizontal portion 22. Bottom panel unit 16, support base member 7 andrear panel 6 combine to define a mechanical compartment or chamber 24which, in the embodiment shown, is arranged at a lower, rear portion ofrefrigerator 2. Mounted within mechanical chamber 24 is a refrigerationsystem including a compressor 27 that is attached to an elongated plate35.

In the embodiment shown, support base member 7 includes first and secondlongitudinally spaced end portions 50 and 51 and upper and lowersurfaces 52 and 53. Although support base member 7 is positioned at abottom portion of refrigerator 2, it should be understood that,depending on the particular model or refrigerator type, support basemember 7 could be re-positioned, even at an upper portion of thecabinet. In any event, the invention is concerned with mounting ofcompressor 27 to support base member 7 through the use of multiplevibration isolating mounts, one of which is generally indicated at 102as described in detail below.

Prior to detailing the preferred construction of each vibrationisolating mount 102, reference is made to FIGS. 2 and 3 in providingadditional overall refrigeration system details. As best shown in FIG.2, the refrigeration system is generally indicated at 150 and includes acontroller 155, compressor 27, a condenser 160 mounted in a pan 165arranged upon base member 7 and a fan 170. For purposes of simplicity ofthe drawings, the electrical wiring and fluid tubing associated withrefrigeration system 150 has been removed, although some wiring is shownin FIG. 2 and some tubing in FIG. 3, though not labeled.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 4-6 in detailing the structure ofvibration isolating mount 102, which is employed to secure compressor 27to support base member 7 in order to absorb vibrations produced duringoperation of compressor 27, in accordance with one preferred embodimentof the invention. In general, vibration isolating mount 102 is made ofan elastomeric material so as to be deformable for shock absorbingpurposes, yet resilient so as to readily rebound to its originalconfiguration after deformation. The preferred material employed isEPDM. As depicted, each mount 102 includes a base 200, a central body orcore 205, a plurality of vertically spaced, circumferential rings210-212 projecting radially outward from central body 205, and an upperhead 215. For reasons detailed more fully below, base 200 and ring 212have a greater thickness or vertical dimension than either of rings 210and 211. Between base 200 and ring 210, as well as between ring 211 and212, central body 205 are concave in shape, with these portions of mount102 establishing undercuts. As best shown in FIG. 6, base 200 includesan annular flat portion 218 extending radially outwardly of a taperingand rounded bottom portion 220 leading to central body 205. This figure,as well as FIG. 4, clearly illustrates that central body 205 is providedwith a through hole 225. Mount 102 is also formed with a mounting gap240 between upper head 215 and ring 212. In addition, upper head 215 hasan upper surface 245 formed with an annular, arcuate peripheral edgeportion 250 and from which project a plurality of spaced raisedretention members 270-273 which taper from through hole 225 toperipheral edge portion 250.

Although the particular order of mounting steps can be altered, themounting of compressor 27 in mechanical chamber 24 will now be detailedwith main reference to FIGS. 3, 7 and 8. As shown, each elastomericmount 102 is received in a respective opening, such as indicated at 285FIG. 7, in the elongated plate 35 such that plate 35 becomes positionedwithin mounting gap 240 (note plate 35 is missing from FIG. 8 forclarity purposes). The flexibility and tapered construction of upperhead 215 enhances this assembly procedure. The elongated plate 35 ispositioned above the support base member 7 and over a plurality of pinelements 295 which extend through and are fixed to support base member7, such as through a friction fit, threaded connection, welding or thelike. Upon aligning pin elements 295 with through holes 225, pinelements 295 are caused to project through central body 205 ascompressor 27 is lowered until compressor 27 is supported by supportbase member 7 through the elastomeric mounts 102. Thereafter, aplurality of retainers 300 are used to complete the mounting ofcompressor 27.

As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, each retainer 300 is constitutedby a clip, including an upper leg 305, a lower leg 310 and flexibleconnecting arms 315 and 316. Each lower leg 310 includes an opening 325receiving a respective one of the plurality of pin elements 295, witheach of the pin elements 295 being compressed onto a respectiveelastomeric mount 102 and against a respective set of retention members270-273, e.g., retention members 271 and 273 as shown in FIG. 8. Eachlower leg 310 is also provided with opposing barbs (one of which isindicated at 330 in FIG. 7) and extends into opening 315, while engagingthe respective pin element 295. Thereafter, each upper leg 305 issnap-connected into an upper groove 325 of a respective pin element 295.

Based on this overall mounting arrangement, various advantageousvibration control features are established. In particular, the roundedbottom functions to pre-load the mounting arrangement and preventvibration transmission through the cores of the mounts. In addition, theplurality of vertically spaced rings of each mount provide shockprotection against a large impact force by deflecting and potentiallycontacting each other, while normal vertical isolation occurs bydeflection of an uppermost ring. Furthermore, providing the variousundercuts of the mounts allow the mounts to be optimized for the massand operational frequency of the compressor. Finally, the inclusion ofthe retention members isolates clip retention and prevents thecompressor from being constrained in the lateral and fore-to-aftdirections. Overall, the mounting arrangement of the present inventionprovides an easy, cost-effective method of securing a compressor in arefrigerator while ensuring appropriate vibration isolationcharacteristics and mounting integrity.

Although described with reference to preferred embodiments, it should bereadily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that variouschanges and/or modifications can be made to the invention withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof. In addition, directional relatedterms, such as upper, lower, lateral, fore-to-aft and the like, as usedin the written description are only intended to describe the inventionwith reference to the drawings such that these terms should not belimiting to the overall mounting arrangement. Finally, it should berealized that the invention is applicable to a wide range of cabinetsemploying refrigeration components, including dedicated freezer unitsand refrigerated vending machines. In general, the invention is onlyintended to be limited to the scope of the following claims.

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cabinet; at least one refrigerationcompartment within the cabinet; a mechanical chamber within the cabinet;and a refrigeration system including a compressor mounted within themechanical chamber through a mounting arrangement including: a supportbase member; a plurality of pin elements extending from the support basemember; an elongated plate having a plurality of spaced openings, eachof said plurality of openings being aligned with a respective one of theplurality of pin elements, said compressor being attached to theelongated plate; a plurality of elastomeric mounts each including acentral body established by a hollow core, a base including a roundedbottom portion leading to the central body, a plurality of verticallyspaced rings extending about the central body and spaced by undercutportions, and an upper head spaced from an adjacent one of thevertically spaced rings by a mounting gap; a plurality of retainers,wherein each of the plurality of elastomeric mounts is: a) attached tothe elongated plate with the upper head extending through a respectiveone of the plurality of openings such that the elongated plate ispositioned within the mounting gap; b) positioned about a respective oneof the plurality of pin elements with the respective pin elementextending through the hollow core; c) and secured upon the support basemember by a respective one of the plurality of retainers with therounded bottom portion of the base being deformed to pre-load the mount.2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the base is configuredto minimize vibration transmission through the central body.
 3. Therefrigerator according to claim 1, wherein an uppermost one of theplurality of rings is configured to deflect and provide verticalisolation in response to vibrations developed during operation of thecompressor.
 4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of rings are configured to deflect and contact each other upona large impact.
 5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein theplurality of elastomeric mounts are tuned through the undercut portionsbased on at least one of a mass and an operational frequency of thecompressor.
 6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein mountingof the compressor through the plurality of retainers prevents thecompressor from becoming constrained in both lateral and fore-to-aftdirections.
 7. The refrigerator according to claim 6, wherein each saidupper head includes an upper surface from which project a plurality ofspaced raised retention members for engaging a respective one of theplurality of retainers.
 8. The refrigerator according to claim 1,wherein the plurality of retainers are constituted by clips, with eachof the clips including an upper leg, a lower leg and at least oneconnecting arm, with the lower leg including an opening receiving arespective one of the plurality of pin elements.
 9. The refrigeratoraccording to claim 8, wherein the upper leg of each of the clips alsoincludes an opening receiving the respective one of the plurality of pinelements.
 10. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein each saidupper head includes an upper surface from which project a plurality ofspaced raised retention members and wherein the lower leg of each of theclips engages a respective set of said plurality of raised retentionmembers.
 11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, wherein each ofsaid plurality of retainers comprising at least one barb extending fromthe lower leg into the opening in the lower leg and engaging therespective one of the plurality of pin elements to secure the retaineron the respective one of the plurality of pin elements.
 12. A method ofmounting a refrigeration compressor fixedly mounted to an elongatedplate having a plurality of openings to a support base member having aplurality of pin elements extending therefrom in a refrigeratorcomprising: inserting an elastomeric mount including a central bodyestablished by a hollow core, a base including a rounded bottom portionleading to the central body, a plurality of vertically spaced ringsextending about the central body and spaced by undercut portions, and anupper head spaced from an adjacent one of the vertically spaced rings bya mounting gap, in each of the plurality of openings in the elongatedplate such that the upper head extends through a respective one of theplurality of openings and the elongated plate is positioned within themounting gap; positioning the elongated plate onto the support basemember with each of the plurality of pin elements being aligned with andprojecting through the hollow core of a respective said elastomericmount such that the elastomeric mounts support the compressor upon thesupport base member; and mounting a retainer onto each of the pluralityof pin elements to secure the elongated plate to the support base memberwith the rounded bottom portion of the base being deformed to pre-loadthe mount.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: minimizingvibration transmission from the base through the central body.
 14. Themethod of claim 12, further comprising: deflecting an uppermost one ofthe plurality of rings to provide vertical isolation in response tovibrations developed during operation of the compressor.
 15. The methodof claim 12, further comprising: deflecting the plurality of rings andcausing at least some of the plurality of rings to contact each otherupon a large impact during operation of the compressor.
 16. The methodof claim 12, further comprising: tuning the plurality of elastomericmounts through the undercut portions based on at least one of a mass andan operational frequency of the compressor.
 17. The method of claim 12,further comprising: preventing the compressor from becoming constrainedin both lateral and fore-to-aft directions through the mounting of thecompressor through the retainers.
 18. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising: engaging a respective one of the retainers with raisedretention members projecting from each said upper head.
 19. The methodof claim 12, further comprising: clipping each of the plurality ofretainers upon a respective one of the plurality of pin elements. 20.The method of claim 19, further comprising: engaging a plurality ofraised retention members projecting from the upper head with theretainer.